Redemptorists celebrate centenary since their arrival

MONASTERY AND GARDENS RENOVATED TO WELCOME VISITORS, AS ONCE SILENT CHURCH BELLS TOLL June 1976

ST. Joseph’s Church in Dundalk was a hive of activity as the end of June, 1976 approached. The reason was obvious, it was a special time for the Redemptorist Fathers in the town, the centenary of their arrival in Dundalk in 1876.

Around the church an army of helpers erected flag poles, freshly painted in blue to honour Our Lady and gaily coloured bunting hung from the church.

The monastery and gardens were renovated to welcome visitors, and the church bells which had been silent for some tears, rang out again due to the skill of Artie McManus who helped renovate them.

The highlight of the celebrations was a Concelebrated Mass offered by Cardinal William Conway and held in the monastery garden, and after the Mass the attendance was entertained by a band, a display of gymnastics and Irish dancing as well as childrens sports.

Centenary Sunday for the Redemptorists was also the Feast of Our Lady ofPerpetual Succour, a fitting coincidence for the Redemptorists who were commanded by Pope Pius IX in 1866 to make her known throughout the world and who brought her name to Dundalk with them in 1876.

In preparation for the double celebration a Solemn Novena was held and the preacher was Rt. Rev. James Collins, a native of Kerry and Bishop of Miracema de Norte in Brazil.

The day of celebrations after the Cardinal’s Mass ended with a Celebrity Concert in the Town Hall with stars such as tenor, Frank Patterson, Eileen O’Grady, the O’Grady trio and the Van Dessel Choir performing.

An exhibition of photos, documents and other memorabilia associated with the Redemptorists 100 years in Dundalk was held in St. Gerard’s Hall.