His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has given the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois his apostolic blessing in the aftermath of the fire which damaged St. Mel's Cathedral on Christmas Day 2009. In a letter addressed to Bishop Colm O'Reilly, the Pope told the community to "Be assured of my encouragement as you prepare the work of restoration. I am confident that your appeal for assistance will be received by many open and generous hearts. Trusting that the building will soon be restored as an expression of the holiness of the People of God who worship there, I pray that this Cathedral may always be a sign of their renewed spiritual commitment to the Lord."
The Pope's letter formed one of many memorable moments during the first Vigil Mass at St. Mel's College Sports Hall.
The hall took on a new lease of life last weekend when it assumed its new role as the temporary venue for Longford's weekly Saturday and Sunday Masses. The first Mass, which was the 7.30pm Vigil Mass on Saturday evening, was con-celebrated by Bishop Colm O'Reilly and Fr Tom Healy ADM.
"It was a most uplifting occasion," Bishop O'Reilly told the Leader. "It was a moment of hope and continuity for the Diocese. After everything that the people have been through, it was important to have this."
Alongside the Pope's letter, Bishop O'Reilly also received some gifts for the diocese.
"The Pope has given a very nice chalice with the Papal Coat of Arms on it. He also gave us vestments. These are special gifts which I am going to keep for the rededication service of St. Mel's Cathedral. I feel it would be a fitting occasion for their first official use," says Bishop O'Reilly.
While in a new venue, the Mass has poignant reminders of St. Mel's Cathedral.
"We had a cross there that was made of charred timber from the Cathedral," says Bishop O'Reilly.
"It could represent Christ's suffering and the suffering of our diocese merged in some way."
Other memories of St. Mel's Cathedral include a reproduction of the famous tapestry that used to hang behind the altar.
On either side of the new altar hang two reproductions of the Harry Clarke Studio stained glass windows, which in time will be restored to their former glory.
The three large reproductions were compiled by local graphic designer Noel Strange and printed by Turners of Longford.
"We also had drapes surrounding the hall which were great for the sound," says Bishop O'Reilly. On either side of the altar imitations of the pillars at St. Mel's Cathedral were also evident.
Fr. Tom Healy ADM has played a pivotal role in organising the new weekend facility at the Sports Hall. He was delighted with the turnout and with the way in which the hall looked on the night.
"We were all really thrilled with how the gym turned out. In particular Noel Strange, Eddie Kiernan and Edwin Kiernan played a large role in how the hall looked," says Fr. Healy.
The work, however, is ongoing as each week the Mass venue must be assembled on a Friday evening and then disassembled on a Sunday following 1pm Mass. During the school week, it is in use by the pupils of St. Mel’s College.
“It is certainly an ongoing challenge,” says Fr. Healy. “Another challenge will be traffic but we’re in discussion with the County Council on this.”
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