St. Patrick’s College, Thurles was originally founded in 1837. The College was built on church land, part of which was bought from the estate of a Wexford Protestant Minister.  Building began in 1829 under the deceased patronage of the Dr. Patrick Everard, Archbishop of Cashel and Emly, who after his death in 1821 had left £10,000 for the “purpose of founding a college to provide a liberal education for catholic youth destined for the priesthood.”

In 1850 the first Synod of bishops, since the Middle Ages, met here at this college in Thurles, commencing on Thursday, 22nd August of that year. This Synod was used to standardise many practices in the Irish Church which had evolved differently to then practices on the continent.

Over more recent years major refurbishments have taken place supporting lecture theatres, tutorial rooms, the original old library, modern computing facilities, playing pitches in the grounds, as well as to the colleges retreat and conference facilities. As well as the academic course the college runs a number of courses in pastoral care, youth work and also Irish language training courses for adults.

Starting from September last, a teaching degree programme, accredited by the University of Limerick, can be conferred on successful graduates.  The degrees to be awarded are; BEd with Irish and Religious Studies and BEd with Business Studies and Religious Studies. Graduates are registered with the Teaching Council of Ireland and will be qualified to teach up to and including Leaving Certificate standard.

Note: This televised programme will be broadcast on RTE I beginning at 11.15 am, on Sunday morning next, so here is one TV  programme certainly not to be missed.

The Mass will be lead by the College President, Rev. Fr.Tomas Fogarty, from the College’s magnificent modern Chapel, with students and staff taking part.

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2. St. Patrick’s College Launches New Scholarships for 2010
3. International Reunion For Priests In Saint Patrick’s College

Relic of the True Cross

A gold and bronze crucifix, containing what is believed to be a piece of the True Cross, on which Jesus was crucified and which was stolen from a locked display case in Holycross Abbey, Thurles, Co Tipperary, by three men some four months ago, has now been returned.

The relic, which is of little commercial value, but of huge spiritual value to many christians, is understood not to have been seriously damaged. The separate theft of a 14th century silver cross containing two crosses and two dark stones, that was also taken in this raid, have also been returned.

It is understood that Gardai uncovered the relics during a planned search of property in the Midlands on Monday last and came accross the relics in an open field.

Asking for prayers, Parish priest Fr Tom Breen had informed many local parishioners and visitors that he was optimistic the crosses would find their way back home.

Fr Breen paid particular tribute to the Gardaí, on their professionalism in retrieving the relic, which attracts some 250.00 visitors each year to the Abbey.

Situated on the River Suir (Abhainn na Siúire) Holycross Abbey takes its name from this now reunited relic of the Holy Rood.

Local parishioners, all who have been praying daily for news of its whereabouts, are understandably overjoyed by the relic’s return.

Related posts:

1. Religious Artefact’s Stolen from Holycross Abbey
2. Holycross Novena – 8th to 16th September 2009
3. Gurteen College Hosts Cross Compliance Event

Top violinist Edmund Dwan of  Autonomous i has been in touch, confirming they will be in attendance at 3.00pm “come rain or shine.”

Organiser Nikki Veasey was in touch to inform me that Phoenix Productions also have agreed to be part of the afternoon’s most marvelous free entertainment. She was also singing the praises of the present Transition Year Students at the Ursuline Convent, who had been extremely helpful to her and Thurles Chamber in organising this major event. She informed me that Thurles Chamber of Commerce have received sponsorship from Shannon Development and Thurles Town Council for this massive undertaking.

Right in the middle of all this a shower of soot falls from my chimney onto the wife’s best carpet, followed by a fellow in a red suit calling himself Santa Clause. He confirmed that he would be arriving in Liberty Square, Thurles, sharp at 1.45pm and wanted all the children to be informed. So please do tell all the children. Before I could even reply, he was up the chimney again like a rocket, leaving me to clean up the soot.

While the Christmas Market ends at 6.00pm, another annual event will begin in St.Marys Church here in Thurles, beginning sharp at 7.30pm and also on Sunday 11th December.

Yes I speak of “Carols by Candlelight.” Now do be careful here. Note: Please do not confuse this event with tickets (Red coloured) you may hold for “Christmas By Candlelight,” which you will be attending on Saturday 17th December next. Not surprisingly (And we did warn you,) tickets for this latter event, which is in aid of the Suir Haven, Thurles Cancer support centre, are possibly all sold out.

But back to “Carols by Candlelight.”on Sunday next, and here again, only about 20 tickets remain unsold for this event, which will feature Ireland’s No 1 Christian band “Cephas,” together with the wonderful local voices of Katie Lawless, Claire Lawless, Rachael Willoughby, Frank Tuohy and Garry Butler, under the music and coral direction of local music supremo, Miss Geraldine Delaney.

Readings for this annual ecumenical “Nine Lessons and Carols” event, will be read by Commandant Michael Walsh, aide de camp to H.E.the President of Ireland, Mayor of Thurles, Councillor John Kennedy, Thurles community leader and published poet Mrs Joan Pollard Carew, Miss Claire Lawless (Cuisle Young Poet of 2010), Miss Rachel Willoughby, Mr Nigel Foxton, Mr Larry Burke, (latter all St Mary’s Restoration Committee Members) to name but a few and all in a wonderful atmosphere of Christmas candlelight.

Proceeds from this latter event will be used for to support the re-opening of St. Mary’s War Museum, closed due to vandalism last year, and all in time for the new tourist season, beginning on May 1st 2012.  (Do call 0504-21133 to check ticket availability.)

All in all there is something to suit the mood of everyone, and Thurles is most definitely the place to be this weekend.

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As part of the preparation for the International Eucharistic Congress to be held in Dublin in June 2012, the Eucharistic Congress Bell is being brought on pilgrimage throughout all the dioceses of Ireland.  Many of you may even have encountered the bell at the National Ploughing Championships in Athy recently.
The 50th International Eucharistic Congress Theme Song, which was composed by Bernard Sexton, is shown hereunder.

The Eucharistic Congress Bell is a key symbol of the 50th International Eucharistic Congress.   From its origins in the Dominican Convent of Portstewart, Co. Derry the Bell was more recently used to ring in the Jubilee Year 2000 in Glendalough, Co. Wicklow.

For centuries bells have been used by many religious denominations as a call to prayer, a call to gather. The tolling of the church bell alerted people to pray, to come together as a community with a common purpose in mind.

Eucharistic Congress Bell

The bell is currently in the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly and will be arriving in Thurles this weekend.  It will reflect the invitation to faith, to prayer, to reconciliation and to mission which has always been important in our Christian tradition and is no less so today.

The bell’s itinerary during its visit to Thurles is as follows:

Saturday 5th November:
6.30pm -  Mass in Bóthar Na Naomh.  7.30pm – Mass in the Cathedral.

Sunday 6th November:
9.00am -  Mass in Bóthar Na Naomh.  11.00am – Folk Mass in the Cathedral.  12.15pm – Mass in the Cathedral.  2.00pm – St Patrick’s Cemetery
3.00pm – St Mary’s Cemetery.  4.00pm – Killinan Cemetery.  5.00pm – Community Hospital of the Assumption.  7.00pm – Evening Prayer Bóthar Na Naomh Church.

Monday 7th November 2011: – The Bell visits all Secondary Schools in Thurles.
9.00am – Presentation Secondary School.  10.00am – Ursuline Secondary School.  11.00am – CBS Secondary School.  12.00 noon – Coláiste Mhuire Co Ed.

The Eucharistic Congress Bell will depart for the diocese of Limerick at 1.30pm on Monday 7th November.
Our thanks to Fr. Tomás O’Connell and Fr. Martin Hayes who provided us with this notification.

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Holycross Abbey, Thurles

Mass Times for this years Solemn Novena are as follows:-

Daily Times
Abbey: 7.00 a.m. – 10.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. – 7.30. p.m. – 9.30. p.m.
Marquee: 10.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. – 7.30 p.m. – 9.30 p.m.
(Note: Confessions before, during and after each Mass.)

Sunday Times
Abbey: 7.00 a.m. – 10.30 a.m. – 12.30. p.m. – 2.30. p.m. – 7.30 p.m. 9.30 p.m.
Marquee: 10.30. a.m. – 12.30. p.m. – 2.30. p.m. – 7.30. p.m. and 9.30. p.m.
(Special Note: Special ceremony for the sick (anointing of the sick) on Saturday 2.30 p.m. during the Novena.)

During this Solemn Novena each year, thousands of Christian pilgrims gather at this historic Abbey, in search and more importantly finding the spiritual and natural healing they so earnestly seek in their lives.

Related posts:

1. Holycross Novena – 8th to 16th September 2009
2. Holycross Novena Begins Today
3. Drama Festival Week 2011 Begins At Holycross Tipperary

Loughmore Church

The Church of the Nativity of Our Lady, Loughmore which was built in 1977, is showing signs of having major roof problems, confirmed by leaks appearing during heavy rain showers. Repairs are now badly needed and to this end the Church Renovation Committee have embarked on a timely scheme to raise funds for these badly needed repairs.

Donate-a-Slate

To assist in raising the necessary funding for repairs you may purchase a slate in your own name or in the name of a family member or friend, either living or departed. The cost is €20 per slate purchased. There is no limit on the number of slates that you can buy. A certificate of payment will be issued to every participant. A record of all donors will be recorded in the Loughmore Parish records. Their website will be updated regularly to show the number of slates donated and patrons will be kept informed regarding progress with the Churches renovation. To donate payment can be made by cheque, postal order or bank draft to Loughmore Church Renovation Fund and can be posted to any of the following;

• Fr. Padraig Corbett P.P., Loughmore,Templemore, Co.Tipperary.

• Mary Fogarty (Treasurer), Tinvoher, Loughmore, Templemore, Co.Tipperary.

• Mary Maher, Kilcoake, Castleiney, Templemore, Co. Tipperary.

In the past 3 months a total of 863 slates have been donated by local parishioners, friends and expatriates from abroad, raising a total of  €17,260.

Harvest Festival

Loughmore Harvest Festival will take place on Sunday 28th August next, beginning at 1.30pm. This Festival is also in aid of Loughmore Church Renovation Fund and the North Tipperary Cancer Care.

A great day out is planned for all, with lots of exciting spectacles, including a full Steam Threshing, children’s Fancy Dress competition, Tug o’ War and Cow Bingo. There will be Bouncy Castles, Quizzes, Gardening Talks by Ultan Nesbitt, Pony Rides, an Old Style Ice-cream and Sweet Shop, Running Races, King and Queen of the Festival, Jewellery and Handbag Stalls. Other events will include a Dog Show, a Tombola, Turf and Timber Auction, Set Dancing and Traditional Music.

There’s no need to go home for your supper that night, as there will be a Barbecue, with music by “Skies Are Blue,” and a Buckin’ Bronco in Stapleton’s Yard from 7.00pm-9.00pm. Barbecue is €10 for adults.

Two great causes, One great day!
Admission: €5 per adult and children are free!

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Floral Tributes outside Oslo Cathedral

One of many memorial service held across Norway took place at Oslo Cathedral this morning, as the nation mourned their dead, while bracing itself for the possibility that the number of victims may rise even further in the coming hours. Police searched bags as people entered for the religious service.

People stream to the Cathedral to express their sympathy

King Harald V of Norway, his wife Queen Sonja and the Prime Minister, Jens Stoltenberg, who wept openly at the memorial service, all met with grieving relatives of the young innocent victims gunned down, in the worst atrocity since World War II.

Thurles visitors report, “Everybody in Oslo is simply unable to understand, it’s very unreal, they’re shocked, the whole experience is just unbelievable. Buildings across Oslo display their countries flag at half-mast, and people of all nationalities are streaming to Oslo Cathedral to light candles and lay fresh flowers.”

Soon this nation will be given the names and images of all those who died, and the size and scale of this wickedness will only then become fully apparent.

From Tipperary we offer the Oslo and Norwegian people our sincere sympathy.

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Archbishop Dr Dermot Clifford

Cashel Town Council recently accorded a Civic Reception to Thurles’s Dr Dermot Clifford (Archbishop of Cashel and Emly) to mark the Silver Jubilee of his episcopal ordination.

Acting Deputy Mayor, Cllr. Maribel Wood said “It is indeed an honour for me to accord this reception and I extended a special welcome to attending members of Dr Clifford’s family. This is the highest honour this council can bestow on any individual and we salute you on this happy occasion, while also acknowledging the significant contribution made to the life of Cashel by the church and archbishops, over many centuries in Cashel. Both have contributed to the religious, social and economic development of this town and that legacy is still a life-blood of our economy to this day.”

Meanwhile in Salt Lake City, latter twinned with Thurles Town, some fifty years ago an ordained priest Fr. Jim Semple, arrived in Utah from Fianna Road, Thurles, Co Tipperary, as an assistant pastor at Saint Joseph’s Parish in Ogden.  His arrival marked the start of a long journey of guidance, care, love and long service for this priest, who 50 years forward, continues today to help and guide Catholics in Utah.

Fr. P. Carley And Dog Sally

Bishop John Wester congratulates Father Jim Semple

Although retired Fr. Semple continues to celebrate daily Mass at ‘St. Joseph the Worker‘ Parish, he also helps Fr. Patrick F. Carley, pastor of the Parish in West Jordan, Salt Lake City, in his daily routine.

Coincidentally Fr. Pat Carley was an altar boy at Father Semple’s ordination in Thurles. Fr. Carley who celebrated his own 40th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood in June, 2009, is a past pupil of Thurles CBS and a former member of Thurles ‘Cumann Cheoil agus Rinnce.’

Fr Pat has been on Tours to Thurles with various Salt Lake City groups, for many years, and from St. Mary’s Famine Museum committee goes a big “Hello, and Congrats.”

Father Jim Semple was presented with the Jubilee Award by Monsignor Terence M. Moore, president of the Presbytery’s Council and by the Most Reverend John C. Wester, Bishop of Salt Lake City.

From all here in Thurles go our congratulations and good wishes to all of you.

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Easter Morning 2011. Photo J.O'Loughlin.

Easter Sunday Ceremonies began early here in Thurles this morning, beginning at 6.00am with an open air Mass in the quiet old graveyard of Killinan, [Map Ref.]just outside the town.
Excellent weather conditions and a perfect early morning sunrise greeted the large crowd, comprised of young and old, who left the comfort of their beds early, to experience a truly spiritual early morning worship.

If a picture speaks a thousand words then surely our picture shown here, captured by Thurles photographer John O’Loughlin, more than adequately captures this early morning occasion. (Click on image to enjoy full resolution.)

The Mass was celebrated by Fr.Jimmy Donnelly, assisted by Fr.Gerard Hennessey, Fr.Tom Lanigan Ryan,  Fr.Tomas O’Connell and Fr. Martin Hayes.

Wonderful voices from Bohernanave Church Choir provided the vocals for the Easter Service hymn singing, and Easter Sunday scripture readings were delivered by Kay Skehan and Conor Stakelum.

All those in attendance were extremely appreciative of the effort made and this events now looks like being placed permanently on the Thurles annual calender of Easter events.

Those who were in attendance at this mornings ceremony were also worshipping in the midst of sporting greatness, for buried in Killinan cemetery are many past Tipperary hurling legends. Most of these buried here are players and Captains of victorious Tipperary teams of yore. The list of captains buried here are as follows:-
Tom O’Grady, Moycarkey, Captain of the team that went to the USA 1888. Denis ‘Long Dinny’ Maher, Captain in 1887. John J. Callanan, (Thurles Blues), Westgate, Thurles, Captain in 1930. Jim Lanigan, (Thurles Sarsfields) Cuchulainn Road, Thurles, Captain in 1937. John Maher, (Thurles Sarsfields and Son of Denis above named) Captain 1945.

In addition to the above, the following buried here also played with Tipperary:-
Johnny Walsh Sr, Tubberadora, 1895, 1896, 1898, 1899 and 1900. Edward (Ned) Brennan of Tubberadora,1895, 1896, and 1898. Andrew Callanan,Thurles Blues who played in 1916, 1917. Connie Callanan who played in 1887. Ned O’Gorman of Holycross 1949. James O’Loughlin, Thurles Sarsfields, who played in 1930.

To all our readers, ” Have A Happy Easter weekend and mind how you go.”

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The word ‘Grace‘ is often defined by using the five letters contained in the actual word, God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense,” however someone also defined ‘Grace’ as, “Everything for nothing to those of us who don’t deserve anything.”

Bono, lead singer of the band U2 once said in an interview, “The most powerful idea that’s entered this world in the last few thousand years, is the idea of Grace and it’s the reason I would like to be a Christian.”

A new band from the borders of Tipperary and Kilkenny, ‘Cephas,’ will launch their new single, entitled ‘Amazing Grace‘ on Sunday April 3rd, (2011) next, at 7.00pm, in St.Fiachra’s Church, Kilkenny City.

The much loved hymn ‘Amazing Grace‘ was written by English poet and clergyman John Henry Newton, published in 1779 with the message that forgiveness and redemption are possible, regardless of the sins people commit and that the soul can be delivered from despair through the mercy of God.

Newton, himself a sailor, wrote these words from personal experience. One night a terrible storm battered his vessel so severely that he became frightened enough to call out to God for mercy, a moment that marked the beginning of his spiritual conversion. His career in slave trading lasted a few years more, until he quit going to sea altogether and began studying theology.

A special thanks to Roseland Studios, Moate, Co. Westmeath, and the band, for allowing us to capture some live video footage for you, our readers, taken during their recording of this, their newest single.

I suppose to call ‘Cephas ‘ a new band, is rather misleading, as for those of us pushing the wrong side of forty will remember them with great pleasure, as the successful touring eighties rock band “Sweet Freedom,” who were runners up in RTE’s National Talent competition.

The six performing members of the band, Eddie, John Joe, Marian, Seamus, Noreen and Patricia, all members of the Cullinane family, came out of retirement just prior to Christmas 2008, to form ‘Cephas’ and raised some €6,000 for the Boys Town Orphanage, near Lviv in the Ukraine, recording their first successful album “Faith and Family.”

Thurles.Info is proud to announce, yes folks they’re back again, with their new amazing single ‘Amazing Grace,’ proceeds of the sale of which will go to the Irish Pilgrimage Trust.

Speaking to the band members they explained their reasons behind the Album “Faith and Family.”  They explained, “There are children who do not know such a childhood as ours, nor family comfort, nor a parents caress. They are compelled to bear hunger, cold and the disdain of others. We can only guess how they suffer when they look at their friends playing, walking with their parents or going to school well dressed. Presently 18 children live in this “Boys Town” in the village of Bortnyky near Lviv, Ukraine. Some were found in the streets, where they were alone and begging. These children’s whose ages range from 7-16 years needed financial assistance. We were happy to pool our limited talent and our love of music to offer some little assistance.”

To quote the late Martin Luther King, a prominent leader in the African American civil rights movement  “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?” So if you like the ‘Cephas ‘ rendition of Amazing Grace, why not contact Noreen,  Mobile: 087-6729242 or Email noreencullinane@gmail.com for details of how to get your copy.

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