IT was the day several months after one door closed that the same door opened to reveal the faith of a community.
In December, the long established Veritas religious store shut up shop in Letterkenny. It appeared to signal the end of a presence for the devout on the town’s Main Street.
But within weeks of its closure and following approaches to the Society of St. Paul, an organisation that proclaims the message of the Gospel using means of modern communication, it was confirmed that the shop would reopen and on Thursday last, customers, clerics, and staff gathered for the official relaunch – the despair of one closure contrasting to the joy of an opening.
“When Veritas announced the closure of this store many of you expressed your sadness and disappointment and several of you wrote to me asking if St. Paul’s would open a similar store here.
“Today I am overjoyed that we have answered that call by God’s grace,” Fr. Thomas, representing the Society of St. Paul, told the gathering.
He went on to welcome Monsignor Kevin Gillespie and Bishop Philip Boyce whose support, he said, had been invaluable.
Fr. Thomas recalled a couple of years previously when he first got speaking to the retired Bishop near the Parochial House. Only he wasn’t aware then that it was the Bishop until he was told otherwise after enquiring afterwards of Fr. Damian!
In his address at the special Mass that had marked the closure of the Veritas store, Bishop Boyce had stated that “when the Lord closed one door, he opened a window and gives us something else in its place.”
Welcoming his fellow clerics from the St. Paul’s Society, Fr. Thomas referred to Fr. Sebastian who had travelled from India for the occasion.
And he said he couldn’t forget the store manager, Sheila Macken, highlighting her “dedication and commitment and positive outlook” that helped inspire and uplift the work of the store.
“I also wish a heartfelt thanks to all the staff members who have worked tirelessly in recent weeks in helping to set up the store.
“Your commitment and hard work have been integral in getting us where we are today.”
He further extended his thanks to musician and singer, Caroline McNamee, assisted by Lily Doran, who performed at the opening and all who had been involved from electricians and carpenters to making the occasion possible.
Pat McCrilly and Fr Dinny McGettigan who attended the opening.
Acknowledging the Society of St. Paul on their decision to take over the Letterkenny store, the manager Sheila said she appreciated all the efforts that had been put in to ensure the reopening of the shop.
“I thank you for supporting the shop because without you this wouldn’t happen,” she told the customers.
The faith of the people of Donegal was known throughout the country, she added.
Monsignor Gillespie said a quote from the Psalms , “our tears have turned into gladness” had stayed with him.
“We had gathered here in mid-December with great sadness at the closure of Veritas. But there were some sounds in the undergrowth and eventually we came to know that St. Paul’s would open here. It’s an occasion of great satisfaction and great joy for us.”
Monsignor Gillespie stressed that it was not just a shop selling merchandise but a place to provide some practical things that would help in the life of faith of the people of God.
Apart from the bibles and other spiritual literature, there were, he said, the Sacramentals including candles, the Crucifix and statues of Our Lady and the saints. “They are all used to encourage us in the life of faith.”
Fr. Gillespie also hailed the store manager as an outstanding collaborator and assistant. She and her staff always understood that it was not just a place for selling items. “It is an outreach of the faith in our community.”
He also acknowledged Fr. Thomas and his fellow priests for their professionalism and dedication in their work.
Sheila Macken with Kathleen and Michael Doherty.
Referring to the presence of Bishop Boyce, the Monsignor said it was appropriate given that he had celebrated the Mass when Veritas had closed and had subsequently made the announcement at Christmas that the Society of St. Paul would be taking over the shop. He also welcomed Fr. Oliver Crilly who had been a good friend to Veritas and the other priests of the Diocese who were in attendance.
Sister Susan Evangelist, who is celebrating 60 years of religious life, told the gathering that she frequently passed on prayer cards to people who were often embarrassed to accept them.
But she recalled an event she had attended in Bundoran ten years ago when a number of young Italian men were present and seven of them opened their wallets to reveal their own particular pictures of saints.
Bishop Boyce bought the official opening to a close by blessing the building at Upper Main Street.
And thanks to the Society of St. Paul and the dedicated staff within its walls, the term closed is now confined to the notice board that goes up at the end of daily business.
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