They confirmed the news to Mass-goers this morning.
The Franciscan Friars are leaving Athlone after an 800 year presence in the town.
Fr. Aidan McGrath, Minister Provincial for The Irish Franciscans, broke the news to Mass-goers today.
He told the congregation that the decision was given much consideration in recent years but that the Franciscans must face the present day reality;
“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. We like so many religious bodies must make these difficult decisions as we deal with and respond to our ageing and reducing membership.
Fr. McGrath confirmed that they will formally depart Athlone on January 6th 2023.
He thanked the Friars, staff and the local community for their work and support since the Franciscan community first arrived in Athlone in the year 1241;
"I want to especially thank 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.
"We Franciscans are very proud of our history here in Athlone, a history and a presence only made possible by the welcome and support received from and so generously given by the local people. I want to thank the people of Athlone for their support - and I will also remember and acknowledge today all those who have gone before; the generations of people in this town and the surrounding area who worked and prayed with us through the good and the difficult times.
"In particular I want to pay tribute today to those who gave so generously of their time in supporting our work in Athlone. Their collaboration and voluntary commitment was so important, valued and appreciated. The people I refer to include, 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 our church liturgy, to include The Friary Choir; The Ministers of the Word and the Ministers of the Eucharist. To all who gave of their precious time so willingly, we are truly grateful."
No final decision has been made on the future of the Friary and Church. However, the Athlone Friars have confirmed that they will explore various possibilities in the coming coming months and will make a further announcement when a decision on the future use of the buildings is made.
A final Mass of thanksgiving will be celebrated in Athlone Friary Church on Sunday 8th January 2023.
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