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Celebration 150 years “A Journey of Faith”
The laying of the foundation stone on 17/3/1856 and the subsequent blessing and opening of the magnificent Church of the Immaculate Conception and St Patrick on 9/6/1861 marked a new era of faith and hope for the people of Bandon in the aftermath of the Great Famine.
A dedicated committee of clergy and laity have designed and published a book to celebrate the recent 150th anniversary of the church.
Through the chapters they recall the deep sense of commitment and loyalty among the Christian community over the years. Deeply appreciative of the wonderful gift they inherited and recognising and praising the tremendous work of successive priests religious and laity they reflect on a story steeped in history, involvement and engagement of the many who were and are the lifeblood of the parish.
The journey begins just after the Great Irish famine when the then parish priest Canon Jeremiah O’Brien went about the building of a church. The vision and inspiration of Canon O’Brien is acknowledged as is the generosity of the parishioners and benefactors and the kindness of the Presentation Sisters in donating the land overlooking the beautiful town of Bandon.
A detailed description of the church interior is given including the stained glass windows donated by clergy and parishioners, the sanctuary, Old Mortuary, the adoration chapel once known as the Old Baptistery as well as information on the people who designed and donated them.
Parish groups and organisations make up the church as we know it today and on reading through the chapters one realises how busy and alive St Patrick’s parish is.
A 20 page photo gallery tells the story of the journey through the decades with pictures of many years gone by as well as the most recent ones of the 150 year celebrations.
This book is both informative and enjoyable, with stories of days gone by and present day happenings which include the generations from the very beginning moving ever forward in the journey of Faith being witnessed by all who care.
“Celebration 150 years, A Journey of Faith” can be purchased in the sacristy of the church for €20 or by sending a postal order to the value of:
€24.00 including the postal addresses anywhere in Ireland (Standard post)
€29.00 including the postal addresses anywhere in Europe (Standard post)
Please state clearly the name and address of the person in receipt of the book along with your postal order.
More Photos: http://www.bandonparish.ie/index.php/photos/category/21-150book |