Thurles Information

On Friday next, June 10th, 2022, an open invitation has been extended to everyone, by Thurles Clergy and parishioners; to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the Church of St. Joseph and St. Brigid, Bóthar-na-Naomh, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

This event, to mark five decades of Christian church service within the Thurles community, sadly had been previously postponed due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

On Friday next, Mass will be celebrated by His Grace, Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly, (Archbishop of Cashel & Emly Archdiocese), at 7:00pm, followed by a social evening of music, song and dance, in a specially erected marquee, situated on the north-side of the church grounds.

A book, detailing old photos, latter illustrating the many memorable elements of life within the Bóthar-na-Naomh and Thurles church community; including a commemorative CD recorded by the Bóthar-na-Naomh Choir, will also be launched on Friday night next.

Local parishioners have, over past weeks, been heavily involved in the many preparations for this much anticipated Golden Jubilee event, with many families have pledged cakes, confectionery and other food items, to help feed those in attendance.

A reminder that all offers of further help are still being gratefully accepted and those wishing to further assist may contact the Parish Office on Tel. No.: (0504) 22229.

Brief History of Bóthar-na-Naomh Church.

“The New Church”, as it is still often referred to locally, today, is as its real name suggests, dedicated to St. Joseph and St. Brigid and was built to accommodate 800 people.

The sanctuary is octagonal and the seating for the congregation radiate outwards from five of its sides thus making a fan-shaped structure, facing onto the altar area.

The tower above the altar is designed to reflect light directly down onto the altar itself: latter being a solid block of natural granite with a St. Brigid’s Cross inscribed on the front.

The Priest’s chair is also made of granite, as is the pulpit, which has a metal eagle fixed on the front, thus symbolizing the spreading of the Word of God.

The mosaic on the wall of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel depicts the Paschal Lamb, unifying the Old Testament, represented by the seven-branched candle-stick and scroll and the New Testament, represented by the Chalice, wheat and grapes.
The human figures symbolize the People of God being led to salvation by the Lamb.

The silver Sanctuary Lamp is one presented to the old Chapel of Thurles in 1839, as the joint gift of Archbishop’s Bray and Slattery.

The building containing six stained glass lancet windows, are each dedicated to:- The Sacred Heart; Our Lady; St. Patrick; St. Joseph; St. Brigid and St. Ailbe.
The simple lines of the Stations of the Cross in the building are clear and unostentatious.

The completed St. Joseph’s and St. Brigid’s church, was consecrated by Killenaule, Thurles, Co. Tipperary born, His Grace, the Late Archbishop Dr. Thomas Morris, D.D. KC*HS (1959 to 1988) in 1971.

It was with a great sadness that we learned of the death, on Monday, 23rd May 2022, of Fr. Gerard (Gerry) Frawley late of St. Vincent Pallotti Parish, Wyandotte, Michigan; Knockaderry, Co. Limerick and Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Son of the late Thomas and Kathleen and predeceased by his brother Tom (R.I.P.); Fr. Gerard passed away unexpectedly on May 23rd last in Wyandotte, Michigan, in the Great Lakes region of the upper Midwestern United States of America.

His passing is most deeply regretted by sisters Mary and Rena, sister-in-law, nieces and their partners, grand nieces, grand nephews, extended relatives, neighbours, his Pallottine community, former parishioners and friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Vincent Pallotti Parish, Wyandotte Michigan at 1:00pm (local time) on Friday next, June 3rd. (Mass will be streamed live online at 6:00pm Irish time HERE).

The earthly remains of Fr. Gerard will repose in the Pallottine College, Thurles, Co. Tipperary on Monday, June 6th from 3:00pm to 7:00pm, before being received into the Pallottine Chapel within the college at 7:00pm; to further repose for con-celebrated Requiem Mass on Tuesday, June 7th at 12:00noon. Following Mass, interment will take place in St. Mary’s Pallottine Community Cemetery, Cabra, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

[NB: Due to C-19 virus fears; those attending will continue to observe strict adherence to social distancing, face covering, with no hand shaking.]

The extended Frawley family, together with the Pallottine community, wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time and have made arrangements for those wishing to send messages of condolence, to use the link shown HERE.

Note Please: Family flowers only.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.