By Paddy Walsh
FROM humble and impoverished surroundings it spires its way to the heavens.
And 125 years following the dedication of St. Eunan’s Cathedral, described by Bishop Niall Coll as a “magnificent temple”, Letterkenny’s most iconic feature marked the anniversary with a number of celebrations over the weekend.
It was, said the Bishop, a celebration of a living story of “faith, perseverance and hope” when he spoke at a commemoration Mass on Sunday afternoon.
Detailing the history behind the Cathedral of St. Eunan and Columba, he referred to the first church built on the site, the inspiration of Fr. James Gallagher in 1820. His work was completed later by the then Bishop McGettigan.
Quoting Canon Maguire’s history of the Cathedral, published 100 years later in 1920, Bishop Coll said the dream of something more remained. “And that vision found its champion in Bishop Patrick O’Donnell.”
“Despite the poverty of Donegal, he pressed ahead,” with members of the clergy dispatched to America, Canada, England and Scotland, seeking the support of Donegal emigrants and the Irish communities there.
“In 1891 the foundation stone was laid and slowly, painfully this Cathedral rose”, a building set in the white stone of Mountcharles.
“The occasion saw Letterkenny festooned with banners and flags. It was filled with colour, with delight, with joy, and with faith.
“The spire rising high above the town does more than shape the skyline – it shapes Letterkenny’s identity,” Bishop Coll remarked.
The altar rails and the pulpit had been erected through the artistry of the Pearse workshop, a family noted in the history of the nation. And the stained glass windows were another feature of a Cathedral that has many others.
“This is not a museum,” the Bishop insisted. “Every day people come here for Mass, for prayer and for silence.
“For 125 years, prayer has risen from this place; for 125 years music has lifted hearts.”
Added Bishop Coll: ‘It was built so that people might know that they are not alone. In Christ they can find their way.”
And as the weekend celebrations neared their conclusion, he pondered: ‘Today we give thanks but we also ask what about the next 125 years?
“The answer depends not only on this building – it depends on us. We are called to be the living Cathedral.”
They were called to bring compassion where there was suffering and to bring hope where there was discouragement.
“We are rightly proud of this extraordinary Cathedral, its beauty, its history, at the very heart of our town.
“This place will remain a living sign of Christ’s presence among His people.”
Before the final hymn from the Cathedral choir that continues to lift hearts, Monsignor Kevin Gillespie offered a special thanks to all who had contributed to the 125th anniversary celebrations with the Bishop adding his gratitude to the former for all he had done in helping to organise them.
Bishop Philip Boyce assisted at the Mass along with a large number of priests from the diocese. They included Fr Francis McLoone and Fr Willie McMenamin who both served in the Cathedral.
Afterwards, as members of the congregation and the clergy, who included Rev. Adrian Dorrian and his wife, Anne, representing the Church of Ireland, made their way to the specially erected marquee for refreshments, Fr Willie, now aged 92, reflected on his term of office in St. Eunan’s.
“I served here from 1966 up to 1982 and acted as Administrator. I really enjoyed my time in the Cathedral and the parish.”
He had, he said, served with Fr. John McLoone and Fr. Kieran McAteer during his time in Letterkenny.
On the closing Mass, he declared: “It was a beautiful ceremony.”
And mentioning his age, he laughed: “There’s not much you do about it!.”
But still falling short of the years put up by St. Eunan’s Cathedral….
Gathering at the grotto in the grounds of Loreto Secondary School for the rosary at the 125th anniversary of St Eunan’s Cathedral. Photos: Brian McDaid.