The Diocese of Ardagh And Clonmacnois, Ireland, Saint Mel, Saint Ciaran

Welcome to our Diocesan website. We hope to provide you with some basic information about our diocese, its history, diocesan services, Mass times in the diocese and contact information for each parish.

Latest News

TROCAIRE - You may be aware of the severe food shortages in West Africa as reported this week on RTÉ news. Trócaire is working with its Caritas partner organisations to deliver emergency aid to the region. If you wish to support the people of the Sahel region of Central and West Africa call 1850 408 408 or donate online at http://www.trocaire.org/emergencies.

THE FIRST FRIDAY, FIRST SATURDAY all-night vigil for June is scheduled for Friday the first, commencing at 10 pm in Our Lady's Manor's Chapel, Edgeworthstown.

This vigil of reparation and adoration starts with Confessions and the Holy Rosary followed by Holy Mass in reparation to the Sacred Heart at 10.30 pm. Throughout the night there are prayers, readings from Sacred Scripture, Divine Mercy and time for quiet adoration. Concluding with Benediction and 6.00 am Holy Mass in reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This is a very special night of prayer, in particular as June is the month of the fiftieth International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin. All are most welcome. For more information contact Marie 086 1900640 or Kitty 086 0405621.

PUBLIC ROSARY - May is the month of special devotion to our Blessed Mother. The rosary will be prayed on the Market Sq. at 3pm each Sunday in May. The Chaplet of the Divine Mercy will also be recited and special hymns will be sung. Please come along and unite our hearts and voices in prayer for peace, special graces and blessings for our town.

KNOCK SUMMER FESTIVAL - Sat. 28th July 2012, all ages 17 -30 years. Our Lady’s Shrine, Knock, Co. Mayo. Contact: 094 9388100,087 6927850,094 9375035 or visit us on www.knock-shrine.ie/youthfestival.

ST. PADRE PIO’S ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE to Holy Cross Abbey, Thurles, Co. Tipperary takes place on Sun. 27th May. Free bus leaving Cathedral car park at 9.15am. To book a seat contact Mary 087 7858362, Peter 087 6613510 or Kitty 086 0405621.

NIGHT PRAYER VIGIL in Cluain Chiarain Prayer Centre, Clonmacnois. Fri. 18th May.Mass at 10.00 pm, Adoration follows, finishes at 3.10am. All welcome. Enquiries Dave 085 7746763.

LOUGH DERG One Day Retreats - Places are available on 20th, 21st, 25th, 26th, 27th & 29th. Quiet Day - Thurs 17th May. Info: 071 9861518. Email: info@loughderg.org

YOUTH MINISTRY – INTERNATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS - Are you interested in attending the youth space in the RDS as part of the Eucharistic Congress as part of our Diocesan group? If so Anita or Kay (0906 473358) would be delighted to hear from you.

Review of Safeguarding Practice in the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois - November 30th 2011

Bishop Colm O’Reilly has published the Review of Safeguarding Practice in the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois which has been conducted by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church, at his request. - Full Article and Downloads...



	Parishes of the Diocese

	Priests

	Diocesan Contacts

	History of the Diocese

	Latest News

	Safeguarding Children - Contacts



MAY 2012 - CATHEDRAL RESTORATION UPDATE - As announced some weeks ago, the Cathedral Restoration Project was recently given two approvals from Longford Town Council. One is a Section 57 allowing us to replace all columns, internal plaster, and to repair damaged stonework. The second is a planning permission in relation to new roof, new floors and associated works. An objection to this has been lodged to an Bord Pleanála. The Heritage group An Taisce commented on the plans as follows: "This welcome proposal reflects credit on the design team appointed by St. Mel’s Diocesan Trust in researching and putting forward a detailed proposal for the fire damaged cathedral." While the planning permission will now have to go through the Bord Pleanála appeal process, the tendering for the Section 57 works is on-going with a view to starting these works in the summertime. While the Cathedral fire was a great disaster, ironically it will bring a huge building project to our town, injecting substantial monies into the local economy. An enormous amount of time and energy has been invested in the Cathedral Restoration Project by the Project Committee, Design Team and others so it is regrettable that this objection has been submitted. ....More...
St Mel's Cathedral - History...

Featured Articles for December 2011

• Death of Cathedral Architect.

• Christmas Message from Irish Bishops.

• Popes Message for World Day of Migrants 2012.

• Catholic Schools Week 2012 - Resources.

Bishop Colm O'Reilly is the youngest of seven children born on the 11th January 1935 to John and Alicia O'Reilly of the Parish of Colmcille in the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois. He was ordained priest on the 19th June 1960 and ordained Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois on the 10th April 1983. His eldest brother, Peter, was Superior General of St. Patrick's Missionary Society for sixteen years. Another brother, Brendan, was a member of the Divine Word Missionary Order.