The priests of Derry's famous Long Tower parish are to move to a new parochial house next month to make way for a group of Franciscan monks in the city.Parishioners were informed in this weeks parish bulletin that Fr Roland Colhoun and Fr Gerard Mongan are set to leave the current parochial house in Victoria Place, off Abercorn Road, and move into the old Sisters of Mercy convent in Pump Street.
Members of an order of Franciscan monks, who are setting up a base in Derry will move into the Long Tower parochial house.
A number of monks from the Community of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal are expected to move into the parochial house next month, when the priests leave.
Writing in the parish bulletin, Fr Colhoun said, “We, the priests and staff of the Long Tower will move to Pump Street and we will locate ourselves in the Convent of Mercy. Because the Sisters are moving out this year, the convent house has become available and will suit our parish needs very well. Now that the convent is becoming the new parochial house, we will be able to ensure that the 161-year presence of the Lord continues in that hallowed location. When we have moved we will continue the long tradition of service to the people of Long Tower and we will invite you to avail of Pump Street as the new dwelling and office for the priests, staff and assistants of the parish,” he said.
Once the monks, who are called the Gray Friars, move into the parochial house, it will be known as St. Columba’s Friary.
“The Bishop gave the Friars lots of housing options in Derry but they chose Long Tower parochial house as their preferred location. And since they are a much sought-after congregation, the diocese is willing to fulfil their request in order to get them established in Derry. The Gray Friars will move into the Long Tower parochial house at the end of September. It will be called St Columba’s Friary and will be a reminder of the community of monks that first dwelt here with St Colmcille himself 1,400 years ago,” Fr Colhoun added.
Meanwhile the diocese is to gain an extra priest with Rockwell College French and Music teacher, Dublin born Fr Peter Raftery , CSSp, to take up a position as a temporary curate in the Templemore parish in Derry City.
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