Little Cullenstown pulls out all the stops for church’s golden jubilee
FOR the people of Little Cullenstown and the entire parish of Clongeen - the last weekend of May proved to be truly momentous when the golden jubilee of the Church of the Assumption was celebrated with an American tea party, followed by a memorable Mass.
Former natives travelled from afar to be with their families to celebrate the golden jubilee of their iconic church. Belying its age, the church looked resplendent and was beautifully decorated with flowers and shrubs. A tremendous spirit of camaraderie and joy abounded in the locality during the week of preparation for this historic occasion.
Saturday night’s ‘American Tea Party’ was a spectacular event where more than 170 guests enjoyed the sumptuous fare on offer. Following the majestic meal lively musical entertainment was provided by local maestro, Michael Crosbie and Sara Von Honeyer, a gifted singer and musician from Germany.
Sunday morning’s Mass of Thanksgiving was both a solemn and joyous tribute to the jubilee of the Church of the Assumption and to the proud people of Little Cullenstown, who worship therein.
Chief celebrant Bishop Denis Brennan was assisted by Rev Colm C. Murphy P.P. and Rev James Curtis, a Pastor Emeritus of Clongeen. The beauty of the liturgy was enhanced by the singing of the choir under the wonderful stewardship of organist Ms Susan Crosbie.
In his introduction to ‘The Jubilee Booklet’ commissioned by the Clongeen Parish Committee, Fr Murphy said: ‘When the new church in Little Cullenstown was opened in 1968 it was the first new church built in the Diocese of Ferns. Today is a day that evokes memories of 1968; the age we were, the people who were part of our lives then, the happenings of that year, the lifestyle and culture of the time, the church of the time. Let us particularly remember today all of those associated with the planning and building of the church and who are no longer with us, especially Dick Rochford who donated the site on which the church is built.’
Fr Murphy thanked everyone who has looked after the church over the years and the parish committee who planned, prepared and participated in the 50th anniversary celebrations.
He welcomed Bishop Brennan to Little Cullenstown and thanked Martina O’Farrell and John Cullen for producing the comprehensive booklet.
Fr Murphy outlined the church’s history, going back to St Anthony’s, which was the smallest church area in the Diocese of Ferns, with only 240 in the entire community.
‘On Sunday, September 24, 1967, the funeral Mass for Lizzie O’Rourke (Green Road) was celebrated in St. Anthony’s. It was the final funeral service in the church’s long history. Six months later the solemn funeral rites for James (Cutcher) Banville (Green Road) were the first to be performed in the new church.’
On the morning of Sunday, March 31, 1968, the splendid new church in Little Cullenstown was blessed and dedicated by Bishop of Ferns Dr Herlihy. The church is dedicated to the Assumption of Our Lady. Prior to the weekend’s festivities, the 9th Station of the Cross - from St. Anthony’s was presented to Fr Murphy by the O’Donovan Family, of Deerpark. It is now an extremely charming feature in the porch of the Church of the Assumption.
At the end of the Mass, Bishop Brennan unveiled a memorial plaque, honouring Rev Denis Kavanagh, a former curate of Little Cullenstown.