Franciscans to withdraw from Athlone
The Franciscans are to leave Athlone, it has been announced.
The shock news was given to massgoers this morning, Tuesday, at the Friary in Athlone.
The decision, which the Irish Franciscans say has been prompted by the reality of a reduced and ageing community of priests, will bring to an end almost 800 years of Franciscan presence in the town.
It’s a devastating blow for many people in Athlone, as the Franciscans have been part and parcel of the fabric of daily life for generations, and the town centre church and friary are key parts of the religious structure of the area.
The community is to leave Athlone on January 6 next. It said that no final decision on the future of the Athlone friary and church has been made.
In a statement read at mass this morning, Fr Aidan McGrath, Minister Provincial, The Irish Franciscans, said: "We, the Irish Franciscans, must make a very difficult and sad announcement today, 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.”
Fr McGrath said their main concern, at the moment, was for the Friars and staff who will be impacted by this decision.
“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,” he said.
“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; there was a major fire in 1398 and those serving here witnessed the destruction of the Friary in 1567. We were expelled from Athlone in 1651, but we came back soon after and as recently as 1930-2 built the splendid Church here on the site.
He said the Franciscans are very proud of their history in Athlone, which he said was made possible by the welcome and support by the local people.
He also paid tribute to those who have supported their work in Athlone, including the Garden Hospitality Group; the Church Cleaners and Flower Arrangers; the Church Ushers; the Fundraising Committee, the Garden Fete Group from past times; and all those who enhanced the church liturgy, including the Friary Choir; the Ministers of the Word and the Ministers of the Eucharist.
A Mass of thanksgiving will be celebrated in Athlone Friary Church on January 8.
Fr McGrath added: “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.”