A Mass of thanksgiving took place in Athlone on Sunday as the Franciscan community bid farewell to the Co Westmeath town after a presence of almost 800 years.
The community’s departure from Athlone follows the Franciscans’ withdrawal last week from Clonmel after 753 years.
Addressing the congregation at St Anthony’s Church, Fr Aidan McGrath OFM explained that the decision to leave was due a lack of vocations and the “rapidly ageing” profile of the friars.
Out of 76 friars in the Irish province today, 50 are over the age of 75 and many need specialist care.
“Older men are unable to do what they once did and cannot be expected to continue indefinitely. They have the right to step back and live their final years without undue expectation and unnecessary stress,” Fr McGrath said.
He recalled how the story of the friary began with the arrival of the Franciscans in Athlone in 1235.
The friars, he said, had been an integral part of the life of the town and the surrounding areas ever since, “remaining in spite of many trials and difficulties. But today sadly this story takes a step towards a conclusion.”
Acknowledging that it was “a very difficult time” he said the closure should not undermine the faith of believers.
“As Christians we are called to move forward in hope. The Gospel is not about keeping people living in a certain place or keeping buildings open or maintaining a certain fixed schedule of services.”
Agreements are being finalised over the future use of the friary in Athlone and the friary in Clonmel. Neither is to be sold, the Franciscans said.
No definitive decision can be made about the church in Athlone until a new bishop has been appointed to the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise. For the moment, it will be kept open for private prayer with a reduced celebration of Mass.
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