The Friary Church in Clonmel is to close permanently next week.
The Franciscan Order officially withdrew from the town in January of last year due to a lack of vocations and aging friars.
After 753 years in Clonmel the Franciscans announced their departure from the town in September of 2022.
They ended their presence on January 6th last year with a Mass of Thanksgiving and Farewell.
The Abbey Prayer Group took responsibility for keeping the Friary Church open for prayer from June of 2023 until now.
A statement from the Franciscan Province of Ireland says the group has done sterling work on behalf of the people of Clonmel.
However, notwithstanding the group’s strenuous efforts, the Franciscans have decided that it is no longer possible to keep the church open.
While a decision on the future of the building has not been made the church will close permanently on the evening of Tuesday, December 31st.
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