Our Lady of Lourdes church is opened

THE opening and dedication of Our Lady of Lourdes Church at Hardman’s Gardens was one of the most memorable events in the town’s history.

The magnificent new Church was ceremoniously opened in the presence of Church Dignitaries and large numbers of the Clergy and the public, in addition to public representatives and officials. His Eminence Cardinal D’Alton, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, gave special permission for the Consecration to take place. This solemn ceremony was performed on Saturday by Most Rev. Dr. W. Conway, Bishop of Neve, and Auxiliary to His Eminence.

The ceremonies on Saturday and Sunday marked a glorious new era, especially for the people of the area, who now are privileged to have one of the most beautiful Churches in the country. It is ultra-modern in every respect, and its splendour is something of which Right Rev. Monsignor J. F. Stokes, P.P., Y.G., St. Peter’s, Clergy and people of the town must feel proud.

Also in attendance at the opening and Dedication of the new edifice were the Bishop of Meath, Most Rev. Dr. Kyne; the Bishop of Clogher, Most Rev. Dr. E. O’Callaghan; the Bishop of Kilmore, Most Rev. Dr. A. Quinn, and Right Rev. Dom Benignus Hickey, lord Abbot of Mellifont. Collon.

On Sunday, houses and streets In the vicinity of the new Church were elaborately decorated with flags and bunting. Small shrines were erected in windows and gardens of a number of homes.

The procession of Hierarchy and clergy In choral Dress from the nearby Chapel of Ease to the new Church was witnessed by hundreds of townspeople, who accorded His Eminence a wonderful reception. Big numbers lined the route of the procession.

On the Church Square stood guards - of - honour drawn from South Louth Battalion of the F.C.A. (under Capt. Sean Murray), and the Oliver Plunket Troop of Catholic Boy Scouts (under Scoutmaster William Martin). Members of the Medical Missionaries of Mary also lined up. Boy Scouts also escorted His Eminence during the procession.

The Mayor of Drogheda (Colr. E. Hughes), and members and officials of the Corporation, including the County Manager (Mr. J. L. MacKell), Acting Town Clerk (Mr. D. Johnston), Borough Surveyor (Mr. J. F. Gogarty). and Gas Works Manager (Mr. V. Gallagher), paraded to the new Church. The Mayor and members of the Corporation were in state.

The Mass was sung by the prize-winning St. Peter’s Male Voice Choir, under their Musical Director, Mr. Eugene Mooney (organist).