Franciscans criticise ‘illegal occupation’ of friary

The decision to close the friary church in Clonmel is due to a lack of vocations and the aging profile of the friars.

The Franciscan Order has criticised those who have “illegally occupied the friary church” in the Irish town of Clonmel following its closure on 31 December.

In a statement, the Franciscans warned that the occupation “constitutes trespass” and is a serious health and safety concern. 

However, Pat O’Gorman of the Abbey House of Prayer in Clonmel, members of which are staging the sit-in, told the Tablet that they were frustrated that the Franciscans had so far failed to meet with them to discuss the impasse and an alternative plan to closure.

“We felt we had no choice [but] to have a sit in. The Franciscans are refusing to communicate directly with us, despite several emails from our committee, politicians, the Vincent de Paul and several members of the community. We tried several times before, during and after Christmas [to meet with them].”

The decision to close the friary church in Clonmel is due to a lack of vocations and the aging profile of the friars. It was announced in January 2023, ending the Franciscan’s 750-year history in the County Tipperary town.

The Abbey Prayer Group was set up in response to the announcement and has kept the church open for prayer and two Masses per week since June 2023. Members of the prayer group would like to see the arrangement continue and have staged a sit-in at the church in support of their demand.

The order said a claim that all costs, including insurance, relating to the property have been covered by the Prayer Group, is incorrect.

“Since the Franciscans withdrew from Clonmel in January 2023 they have provided €160,000 for the insurance and maintenance of the building,” the statement said.

But according to Pat O’Gorman, the prayer group offered to fund the running costs, including insurance, and that “money is pouring in”.

“We are self-financing and can run the church at no cost to the Franciscans. We have being running the church very successfully over the last 18 months with huge support from the public in terms of mass attendances and financial support from devout worshippers.”

The Franciscans said there is no truth in the claim that they intend to convert the listed church into accommodation for rental purposes.

“No decision regarding the future use of the building has been made at this time.” Nor would it be allowed to “fall into decay,” the statement said.

They have offered to cover the cost of the transfer of the popular shrine to St Anthony to a nearby parish.

According to Pat O’Gorman of the Abbey Prayer Group, “The church is over 700 years old. It is important to the people of Clonmel in terms of its spiritual, historical, and cultural significance.”

Stay updated — add us as a preferred news source on Google: