Re: Re: reorganisation and destruction of irish catholic churches

It looks as if the fundraising campaign for the restoration of Longford Cathedral has gotten off to a start in the United States. The following appeared recently in the Irish Emmigrant:

The Irish Emigrant – Articles

St Mel’s Cathedral restoration drive

Midnight Mass at St. Mel’s Cathedral was joyful, the decorations were beautiful, the choir was outstanding and the cathedral was standing room only. The homily was delivered by Bishop Colm O’Reilly and at the conclusion the priests and mass goers took the time to wish each other a Merry Christmas.

Little did they know that on Christmas Day 2009 their beautiful cathedral would be destroyed by fire and now lies in total ruin. Built 154 years ago by our ancestors, who had little in the way of material goods, it stood as the pre-eminent cathedral in the diocese, covering all of Longford and large parts of Leitrim, Westmeath and Offaly.

The daunting task of restoring St. Mel’s to its former beauty will be expensive and a long term project. The destruction can be seen by logging on to The Longford Leader, or the “RIP St. Mel’s” Facebook page.

Many fundraisers are planned in Ireland and abroad. Our fundraiser will be held on May 2, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the Irish American Community Center, 9 Venice Place, East Haven, CT, 06511. Entertainment by Mark James, refreshments will be served. Those wishing to write a check should make it payable to I.A.C.C. St. Mel’s Restoration. Our committee welcomes anyone who wishes to help. Further information is available from Pat Hosey 203-248-1538 or p.hosey@sbcglobal.net.