Jubilee mass to celebrate 50 years of Knocklyon parish
Over 500 people attended a Jubilee mass in St Colmcille’s Church on Sunday, September 29, and celebrated 50 years of Knocklyon parish.
“People who now live somewhere else came, and also new young families who just moved,” said Lisa Quinn O’Flaherty from the Parish Pastoral Council.
A good wish for the parish future was made by planting a “new generation tree” outside the church, with seeds coming from a chestnut known to be the oldest tree in Knocklyon.
After enjoying the two parish choirs singing together and a play by the parish children’s drama group, participants moved to St Colmcille’s primary school to have coffee and cakes made by parishioners themselves.
An arts and crafts section and a photo station for families were the final touch and allowed participants to bring nice memories home from the community celebration.
“It was a lovely day for everyone,” said Lisa, “A way to catch up with the community and old friends.”
Lisa grew up in Knocklyon and moved back there to settle down with her family. “It’s a lovely place to raise kids. I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.”
“There’s a huge sense of community here and between the church, schools, activities and sports clubs, there is something for everyone.
“Thanks to new families moving here, we are seeing many children running around which is great,” she added.
The mass was just the beginning of Jubilee celebrations and will be followed by many events throughout the year such as a literary festival, community walks, art exhibitions, workshops by parish groups and a bingo.
On Friday, October 18, Alisha Weir of Matilda the Musical Fame will join Knocklyon Jubilee concert in St Colmcille’s church.
Knocklyon parish was established in the early 70s by the nearby operating Carmelite order following the construction of hundreds of new houses in the area.
From its first settling on Ballycullen road, the parish then took its name from St Colmcille’s Well.
Following the opening of today’s St Colmcille’s church and the establishment of the first schools in the area, Knocklyon identity was forged and the parish keeps thriving 50 years later.
The Jubilee mass was celebrated by Bishop Donal Roche, Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin, the parish priest Father Cyril Ming Ma, and the parish curate Father Adrian Boysala, with priests who formerly served the parish and priests from partner parishes also attending the service.
