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WE WARMLY INVITE EVERYONE TO JOIN US IN OUR 150th JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS!
This year, we embark on a meaningful journey together, celebrating the essence of hope, faith and community. It is a time of reflection, renewal, and rejoicing as we commemorate a significant chapter in our parish’s history—the laying of the foundation stone of our beloved church. The foundation stone, laid 150 years ago on 27th April 1875, symbolises the strength and vision of those who came before us, building not just a physical structure but a spiritual home for all.
Key Historical Moment: The Foundation of Our Church: The church, dedicated to the Annunciation, had its foundation stone laid by Cardinal Cullen on Easter Monday, 29th April 1875. The Freeman’s Journal reported that the ceremony was attended by a large number of clergy and parishioners, including many local residents. During the event, a beautifully designed silver trowel was presented to Cardinal Cullen by Rev. Robert Meyler. A glass jar containing a parchment scroll with the date of the ceremony, the names of key participants, and current coins was also placed in the foundation.
Cardinal Cullen addressed the crowd, emphasizing that a significant work for the promotion of religion and the glory of God had begun. He expressed confidence that the parishioners would generously support the church’s completion, ensuring that future generations would receive countless blessings. Read more on the history of our church our website: https://rathfarnhamparish.ie/history/
Celebrating Partnership Parishes and Faiths: Throughout the year, we will honour the strong connection that unites our partnership parishes, every event is an invitation to gather and celebrate our shared journey. Through these events, we celebrate the unity and faithfulness that make our parish life so enriching. Together, we aim to build on the firm foundation laid by our ancestors, carrying their hope into our daily lives and interactions.
An Opportunity to Renew: Our journey of hope extends to everyone, especially those who have felt distant from the Church. As we invite everyone to reconnect with your faith, we offer a range of opportunities designed to inspire reflection, renewal, and belonging. We also aim to engage younger generations through music, youth-focused activities, and events like the Blessing of Pets and the Carol Service. Through acts of hospitality, joy, and shared faith, we foster an environment of hope and community.
Living with Hope and Spirituality: At its heart, this year is about more than events—it’s about how we live out hope through our spirituality and how we celebrate the lives and contributions of others. Every shared meal, every heartfelt prayer, and every kind word strengthens our parish and our faith.
Looking Ahead: With each milestone to the recurring opportunities for engagement throughout the year, we embrace the hope that anchors us. As we walk together, let us remember the firm foundation laid by those before us and build a future filled with light, love, and faith. Join us in celebrating hope, our history, and one another. Let us carry forward the legacy of faith that began with the laying of our church’s foundation stone, inspiring generations to come.
