Keash Church Celebrates Bi-Centenary
Posted by Vincent on August 3, 2009
On Monday August 3rd there was a large gathering in St Kevin’s Church, Keash, Co. Sligo. The gathering celebrated the Bi-Centenary of the Church’s opening in 1809. An incredible thought that St Kevin’s has served the people of this parish for 200 years. Fitting that this be celebrated and celebrated it was. Well done to Canon Jim Finan, a truly “beloved” Parish Priest and a hard working committee who with a proud community put their best foot forward and celebrated in style.
Canon Jim Finan and Fr Pat Lynch
Some of the congregation
Congregation gathered for celebration
A packed church heard Bishop Brendan Kelly speak of the faith of the community of 200 years ago who, in hard times, rose above their own personal worries and needs to build a House for God and, in so doing, a house for themselves “Pobal Dé”. He wondered “Why did they build this church?” and the only answer is FAITH. They lived their Faith and expressed their hope and love in the builiding of a place of worship.
Bishop Kelly preaching to a packed church during Mass
Bishop Brendan acknowledged the contribution of £40 (a huge sum of money at that time) by the Protestant community to help with the building fund. He said this clearly demonstrated that, at heart, we are a people united in our wish to serve God and find a place and time for prayer. This, he said, remains the way and of this we should be proud and for this thankful.
Padraig Duffy spoke on behalf of the community. He traced the history of the Church in Keash and of other places of worship that preceded St Kevin’s. With emotion he recounted the place of gathering that St Kevin’s is – from baptisms to weddings, First Holy Communions, Confirmation days and of course funerals. The church is central to all a community is.
Padraig Duffy speaks on behalf of the community
Bishop Brendan and Fr Padraig Devine SMA listen to Padraig Duffy
The Liturgy involved many parishioners in singing, reading the Word of God, prayers of the faithful etc.
Imelda Brehony
William Henry
Mass Servers
Parishioners lead the Prayer of The Faithful
The Offertory Procession included a selection of Prayer Books reflecting the prayers of people down through the years, a Lectionary reminding us of God’s word read and preached for 200 years in this church, flowers and plants symbolising growth and new life, the original Altar Stone from the Church, a 200 year old Chalice and of course bread and wine.
Prayer books presented to Bishop Kelly
Lectionary presented
Original Altar Stone
Flowers brought by one of the younger parishioners
Gifts offered and accepted
Following Mass, Bishop Brendan unveiled a plaque recalling the Bi-Centenary of the Church.
Bishop Brendan and Canon Jim with unveiled plaque
The plaque
Gathered outside for unveling of commerorative plaque
After Mass we were all welcomed to the local hall for a lovely celebration and plenty food. A “Jubilee Cake”, baked for the occasion, was cut by Bishop Brendan.
Jubilee Cake
Keash Hospitality enjoyed and appreciated
Fr Dermot Meehan, Canon Jim Finan and Fr Padraig Devine
Fr Padraig Devine (nephew of Fr Ricky Devine who celebrated his First Mass in Keash Church) with Bishop Brendan outside Parish Hall
Well done to all involved in this special celebration and thanks to all who made us all feel so welcome.
