NEW CHURCH AT BALLYSAGGART, DEDICATION CEREMONY
Cork Examiner – Mon., Sept 14th, 1914
On May 25th, 1913 the foundation-stone of a church at Ballysaggart, a mountainy district about seven miles from Lismore, was solemnly laid by his Lordship Most Rev. Dr Sheehan, Bishop of Waterford and Lismore. Yesterday the sacred edifice was blessed by his Lordship and dedicated to Mary of the Immaculate Conception. Ritual prescribes for such events imposing and inspiring ceremonial and the function yesterday had all the solemnity and pomp suited, to such occasions, making, as they do, the strength and vigour of the faith.
In Catholic Ireland the cynic may say that that vigour is quite obvious and fully emphasised by the gorgeous cathedrals and magnificent parish churches which crown stately eminences and proudly raise their spires in city and town. But there is nought that is banal or vapid in the spirit which causes the erection of such beautiful shrines. They exist for practical purposes - for the practice of holy religion and the imbibing of its strengthening influences. It was this desire to partake frequently of the consolations offered by Mother Church to her faithful children which made the want of a church in Ballysaggart, the people of which district had to walk from six to ten miles into Lismore to hear Mass on Sunday. They had to endure their hardships and spiritual privations long, for the very poverty of the place made it a seemingly impossible task to erect a church there.
The fact that for a distance of six square miles about Ballysaggart was parcelled out to the people some ninety years ago to reclaim, speaks of the sturdy tenacity of its people. Their efforts have succeeded so far as to get a living out of the wild mountainy land but they do not enjoy any opulent prosperity; only just frugal comfort. On his advent to the pastoral charge of Lismore four years ago, Very Rev. Canon Walsh was attracted by the trying conditions under which these poor people had to comply with the dictates of their church. An admiration for their zeal as Catholics, keen in the practice of their faith, anxious to abide its decrees and share its blessings, was common. It could not be withheld but Canon Walsh, determined that they should have the reward of their patience, fortitude and piety. He devised his scheme for the building of a suitable place of worship in the district and laid his plans before his parishioners.
The welcome effort was heartily embraced by the people of Ballysaggart, who vied in their humble way to grasp the longedfor opportunity. Today the church is built and its story is short. The edifice is a pretty one, capable of seating some four hundred people! It is beautifully finished, with confessionals, Stations of the Cross, seats, choir, gallery, etc., and reflects credit on the builder, Mr. Hearne of Waterford. (It may be noted that at the laying of the foundation stone - a full description of the plans was given in this journal).
Canon Walsh infected all with his enthusiasm and all classes gladly gave their assistance in its erection. But to the farmers and labourers of the district, immedi
ately benefitted, must great praise be given. They not only gave handsomely in money but also made matters easy by drawing stones and general material to the place. They have the full and glad reward of their every sacrifice and to the energy and organising ability of Canon Walsh is owing more than a share of their joy. He spared no time or trouble in the achievement of his purpose, an objective which was to serve the honour and glory of God and the welfare of his flock. The signal honour conferred upon him by the late Pope Pius X at the hands of his Lordship the Bishop yesterday will gratify his parishioners, who can count many debts to the wise advice and generous solicitude of their kindly disposed pastor.
His Lordship having blessed the church and dedicated it, it was opened to the public and a large congregation assisted at the Solemn High Mass at eleven o’clock, sung by the Rev. J. Murphy, C.C., Lismore, with Rev. W. J. Byrne, S.T.L., St. John’s College, as deacon, and Rev. J. Kelleher, S.T.T., do. His Lordship presided at the throne and the other priests in the sanctuary were: Right Rev. Dean Walsh, P.P. D.D. Lismore; Right Rev. Mgr Power, P.P., V.V. Dungarvan; Rev. P. Dunphy, P.P., Cappoquin; Rev Father Condon, P.P., Ballyduff; Rev. M. J. Dooley, C.C. Waterford; and Rev. Dr. M. M. O’Kane, O.P. The music of the Mass was excellently sung by a choir from Lismore under the very capable conductorship of Mrs. O’Connell, who presided with efficiency at the harmonium.
Rev. Dr. M. M. O’Kane, O.P., preached an eloquent sermon and the congregation was subsequently addressed by his Lordship the Bishop.