Coniamstown’s mass rock revived at Bright

Coniamstown’s mass rock revived at Bright

24 June 2015

AN HISTORIC Catholic tradition will be revived on Sunday with a special outdoor mass in Bright.

An open invitation has been extended to anyone wishing to participate in the first mass in decades at Coniamstown mass rock, which was a location used for secret masses when 17th century penal laws were being enforced.

The mass is the latest in a series of events hosted by Legamaddy parishioners who formed a committee last year to fundraise for refurbishment of the nearby 150 year-old St Patrick’s Church.

Committee chairwoman Geraldine Mageean said the group had come together to raise awareness about the historic parish and to raise money for essential repair work to the church to mark its significant anniversary.

With £16,000 already raised through the Bright Golf Classic, crafts fairs, ceilis and guest teas, she said the most recent fundraiser, in which supporters were asked to sponsor an area of the church car park which needs resurfaced, had really caught the community’s imagination.

The committee has also been given paintings by local artists Bernard Magennis and Willie Mulhall which are now available to purchase from members.

Geraldine explained that Sunday’s mass was more about the community than fundraising and said the committee was keen to raise awareness about the mass rock so it will not be forgotten by future generations.

She said the annual mass had attracted large crowds in the 1940s and 1950s but the final mass was held in the 1980s due to dwindling numbers.

“We are trying to encourage sociability back into the community,” she said.

“We have a Facebook page that is attracting the attention of parishioners, some of whom have left Bright and who are interested in the memories we are reviving.

“Saul is also reviving its pilgrimage tradition and I believe much of this is down to Bishop Noel Treanor who very much encourages a return to basics.

“We really hope as many people as possible will come to support us on Sunday and there will be signs from the Killough Road showing the way to the mass rock, which is obviously well hidden.”

The mass at Conniamstown Mass Rock will be held at 4.30pm on Sunday with the kind permission of Paschal and Evelyn Magee. Everyone is welcome.