On March 27th, 2019, the Sisters of Mercy were invited to a special celebration in Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, where, due to the kindness of some local people, a Plaque was erected in the newly renovated St. Mary’s Parish Church.  The Plaque honours the Sisters of Mercy who served in the town for over 100 years.  The main instigator behind the event was Mr, John Gallen, former Principal of Our Lady’s Secondary School and his wife, Colette, both of whom had strong ties with the Sisters.  Bishop Lawrence Duffy and priests from nearby parishes were present as well as the Church of Ireland minister, Rev. Neale Pharr.

St. Marys Church, Castleblaney, Co Monaghan

The celebration began with concelebrated Mass.  The homily preached by Canon Shane McCaughey, P.P. was outstanding.  His basic theme was ‘remembering and memories’ and how quickly people and events are forgotten.  As an example, he mentioned how we frequently hear of the Jewish sufferings in WW2, but practically no one knows of the awful sufferings of the Armenians in WW1.  In this respect, Canon Shane brought out how the Sisters of Mercy, once so prominent in the town could likewise be forgotten.  The idea of the Plaque was to keep their memory and contribution alive.

Everything connected with the event was memorable – the beautifully restored Church, the Mass, the assembled priests, the Choir, the organ music and the friendly gathering of so many connected in some way with the Sisters.

Sister Ann Brady’s concluding address was most apt and inspiring, and summed up how deeply moving the whole event was.

After the Mass, we were invited to Iontas for entertainment and refreshments.  There we met many old friends.  The entertainment was such a surprise.  The children were great and their contributions most enjoyable, from the very young children in the Junior School, to the more advanced Girls’ School.  Of course, seeing the musical abilities of the students from Our Lady’s was special and their talents outstanding.  What a lot of work and rehearsal it all took!  The generous refreshments that followed were indeed a treat, with the chance to chat.

The memories of this wonderful evening will be forever captured on the special Plaque, which is now mounted in the foyer of St. Mary’s Church, Castleblayney.  It will be a lovely memorial to the bonds between the people and the Sisters of Mercy.

 

Mary Patricia Lynn rsm
Northern Province