Prayer group express 'great disappointment' at decision to close Clonmel's former Friary church

The voluntary group that has enabled Clonmel’s former Friary church to continue as a place of worship over the past 18 months has expressed “great disappointment” at the Franciscan Order’s decision to permanently close the church from December 31.

The Clonmel Abbey House of Prayer Steering Group issued a statement outlining its dismay at the decision shortly after the Franciscan Order’s surprise announcement on Friday, December 20.

The Group noted no decision has been made regarding the future of the Church and expressed the hope that “its future use will have regard for the respect which Clonmel people have for the church and its place in the local community”.

When the Franciscans departed Clonmel in January 2023, ending the Order's 750 years presence in the town, there was great sadness that the Friary church in Abbey Street was going to be lost as a place of worship.

A group of Clonmel people interested in the church continuing to play an active part in the community came together and formed the Clonmel Abbey House of Prayer Group.

The Group, in conjunction with the Bishop of Waterford & Lismore Alphonsus Cullinan and SS Peter & Paul’s Parish, explored ways of keeping it open as a house of prayer and for Mass whenever possible.

Following discussions between the Group and Franciscan community it was agreed to reopen the church as the Abbey House of Prayer on the Feast Day of St Anthony on June 13 2023.

A Mass was celebrated there on the day it reopened and included the popular Blessing of the Lilies ceremony.

Since then the church has been open daily for prayers with Mass celebrated twice a week there on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

The Abbey House of Prayer Group said the response from the local and surrounding community to the church’s reopening was “exceptionally supportive” and Clonmel people were pleased it had been reopened.

“Clergy from Clonmel and surrounding parishes, with the support of Bishop Cullinan, offered their services on a roster basis.

“Other priests also willingly offered their services and people were pleased that the long-respected church was not closed to the public.”

The Franciscan Order in its statement announcing the church’s closure, said the Abbey House of Prayer Group had done “sterling work” on behalf of the people of Clonmel.

“Notwithstanding the group’s strenuous efforts, the Franciscans have decided that it is no longer possible to keep the church open.

“So, it is with regret and sadness they announce that the church will close permanently on the evening of December 31.

“We have not decided on the future of the Church at this time. We remain very grateful to the Abbey Prayer Group and to the Bishop of Waterford & Lismore for their endeavours with regard to the church building and we acknowledge that this announcement will come as a great disappointment.

“The Franciscans will be forever grateful to the people of Clonmel for their support and friendship over the centuries and we will keep them in our Prayers.”