Launch of A Place in all our Hearts, the History of St. Brendan’s Roman Catholic Church, Birr
St. Brendan’s Church, Birr, 29th of December 2024
The importance of Heart
In recent weeks Pope Francis wrote a beautiful document on devotion to the Sacred Heart called Dilexit Nos (the Latin for) – He Loved Us. There is a big section of this spiritual reflection on the importance and centrality of the heart. The heart, the source of love. Love being the definition of God’s inner nature, according to the evangelist St. John.
A Place in all our Hearts
I love the title of this illustrated bicentenary history “A place in all our Hearts”. The Church, this house of prayer, Teach an Phobail as Fr. Tom Hogan reminds us in the foreword has a special place in the hearts of so many citizens of Birr, the Brendan Pastoral Area and the diocese of Killaloe for over two centuries.
A Place in all our Hearts, the History of St. Brendan’s Roman Catholic Church, Birr is a meticulously researched and so handsomely produced. In the introduction Brian Kennedy is described as the Content Creator. Brian and his collaborators, photographers, editors, proof-readers, printers and no doubt many more have done a superb job. I commend all on this splendid work. A hearty congratulations to all involved!
Brendan Medal
I think it came as no surprise in recent weeks that Brian was awarded the Brendan of Birr medal for his services not only to this historical research, but:
· many other history projects,
· his work here in the Church,
· St. Brendan’s community school and
· to so much else in the community here in Birr.
Detail of the Publication
“A place in all our hearts” is a volume that tells the tale of a much beloved house of God, of:
· Clergy, prelates, pastors, priests, bishops.
· Religious Congregations; Sisters of Mercy, Presentation Brothers.
· Choirs, choir directors, organists, musicians, singers.
· Teachers, schools, educational establishments.
· Builders, architects, maintenance personnel, caretakers, stain-glass artists.
· Parishioners who gave so much of their time, on a voluntary and paid basis.
· The many protagonists who are essential to building up of the body of Christ, Pobal Dé, dedicated followers of Jesus Christ.
There is so much more besides by way of narrative and colourful feasting, visually and intellectually. There’s the intrigue of an arson attack, damage done, famines, storms, local rivalry, rituals, baptisms, weddings, ordinations, funerals, tragedies, joyful events and sacraments celebrated.
Bishop McRedmond
Just as an aside, as far as I’m aware the only other bishop of Killaloe from Offaly was the featured Bishop McRedmond, a native of Crinkill. He was the first in 100 years in the late 1890’s to move from Killaloe to Ennis and was instrumental in choosing Ennis as the location for the Cathedral of the diocese. A huge portrait of him rests on the wall in the dining room in Westbourne where I live, a daily reminder of our shared Offaly roots!
An Ecumenical Matter…
One of the most heart-warming details of the book is the kind and benevolent gesture of Lord Rosse donating the land and site, a quarry stone and the then princely sum of £100 to build the Church. As Brian points out he was a ‘truly ecumenical gentleman’, much before ecumenism was in vogue, promoted or even tolerated in the immediate aftermath of the Penal Laws and even before Catholic Emancipation. It is even more heartwarming to see that cordial relationship continues two centuries later during these synodal times, with this being an ecumenical service.
Election Matters
On this day of nation-wide election what an apt occasion that you elected to launch the book in the context of this ecumenical service, the feast of St. Brendan. Brendan of Birr as Brian points out whom you are justifiably proud to have as your patron.
· One of the twelve great apostles of early Irish Church.
· Student of Finian of Clonard.
· Defender and ally of the great St. Columba of Ireland and Iona.
· Founder of a great monastery of prayer and learning here in Birr.
Such was his influence and inspiration that the Church, the parish, pastoral area, schools, the GAA stadium and many local individuals have continued his positive and dynamic influence by assuming his name.
Book of Birr
There is a very informative section about what Brian describes as ‘one of the greatest surviving treasures of our parish’ the Macregol Gospel Book or the Book of Birr, a 9th century volume from St. Brendan’s Monastery of Birr.
This is an outstanding labour of love, from a man who loves with all his heart his local Church, it’s heritage and all that is part of the great legacy of the man whose feast day we celebrate today, St. Brendan of Birr. I am sure that this gorgeous coffee table volume will have a place in all the hearts of people from Birr, at home and abroad, this Christmas and for many years to come.
It is my delightful privilege to declare this book officially launched this evening and God bless all involved.
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