Historic first Mass in 36 years celebrated at ancient Mass Rock in west Donegal

A Mass was celebrated at Loughanure-Crohyboyle Mass Rock yesterday for the first time in 36 years.

The Mass Rock is set high on the hillside in Crohyboyle, overlooking Annagry to the north, Dungloe to the west, Loughanure to the east, and Craghy to the south.

The site was used during Penal times as a remote and safe location for Catholics to celebrate Mass in a time when the religion was banned.

The last Mass took place at Loughanure-Crohyboyle Mass Rock on July 23, 1989, which was “a joyful day when over 150 people gathered in glorious weather to mark the first Mass at the site in over 250 years,” according to Raphoe Diocese.

Yesterday’s Mass was offered for the repose of Stephen O’Donnell, and was celebrated by Fr Lorcan Sharkey, P.P. Glenfin, assisted by Fr Nigel Ó Gallchóir, P.P. Annagry, and Fr Brian Ó Fearraigh, P.P. Gaoth Dobhair.

In his opening words, Fr Lorcan reflected on the history of the site. He reminded attendees of the hardship endured by those who came before and the courage it took simply to gather for Holy Mass.

Fr Nigel Ó Gallchóir said: “It is a privilege to stand here in this sacred place where the faith of our fathers and mothers was tested in the hardest of times

“The rocks around us became altars, the heather became pews. Faith was lived with courage and love… Our ancestors believed in that truth so strongly that they risked everything, even death, to be nourished by the Word of God and the Bread of Life in the middle of a lonely bog.”

Music was led by the Annagry Parish Choir, which was led under Tommy Martin, with organist Jim McGinty, at the last Mass in 1989. The choir was led yesterday under the direction of Angela Sharkey, with Steve O’Neill on guitar. Roseanne O’Donnell served as the psalmist.

“We are called today, during the Church’s Year of Jubilee, to be the continuation of that history - to keep the faith alive, not only in the bogs and glens and at Mass rocks, but especially in our homes, in our parish and in our community life. Let us be a people who do not hide the Light of Christ but let it shine at any cost,” concluded Fr Ó Gallchóir.

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Raphoe Diocese shared: “Sincere thanks to the parishioners of Annagry Parish and their Parish Pastoral Council for welcoming those from around the diocese to attend this beautiful celebration of faith, and to all who worked behind the scenes - stewards, traffic marshals, and volunteers - to ensure everything ran smoothly.”

A Parish Rosary took place at St Dubhthach’s Holy Well, Mullaghduff, on the Feast of the Assumption on Friday, another place long rooted in faith and devotion. The two special outdoor celebrations took place in the Raphoe Diocese as part of the Church’s Jubilee Year.