Archbishop Francis Duffy to celebrate bicentenary mass at historic Mayo church
Roundfort church to mark 200 years since consecration with special Mass led by Archbishop on June 7
A South Mayo church steeped in centuries of faith is preparing to mark a major milestone as Archbishop Francis Duffy will visit Roundfort to celebrate a special bicentenary Mass marking the two hundredth anniversary of its official opening.
The Archbishop will act as chief celebrant at the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Roundfort on Sunday, June 7, at 11.30am, commemorating exactly 200 years since the church was officially consecrated on June 7, 1826.
The event will also mark Archbishop Duffy’s first official engagement in Roundfort since his appointment as Archbishop of the dioceses of Tuam and Killala.
Parish priest Fr Mike Murphy described the Archbishop’s visit as “a tremendous honour” and said the anniversary marks an important moment in the life of the parish.
“We are delighted to be welcoming our Archbishop to our parish to mark this remarkable milestone anniversary,” he said.
“This church has held a special place in the heart of our community for 200 years. Throughout those centuries, it has witnessed incredible joy and sadness and been a place of solace and comfort throughout the most difficult of times.
“Although Roundfort is almost unrecognisable from what it was in 1826, our church is still at the beating heart of our community and will be for many years to come.”
Fr Murphy also encouraged those with roots in the parish to return for the celebration, saying there is an “open invitation” to all who have a connection to Roundfort to attend the bicentenary Mass.
A Church Built by Community
The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception traces its origins to the early 1820s, when Roundfort parish was home to more than 7,000 people, many living in severe poverty.
At the time, Mass was celebrated in a modest church at Cregawatta, described as a small, barn-like, thatched structure unable to accommodate a growing congregation.
In 1821, Fr James McHale, a native of Turlough and former president of St Jarlath’s College, was appointed parish priest and spearheaded efforts to construct a new church.
Funded through donations and built largely by parishioners themselves, the church’s foundation stone was laid in 1825 and the building opened roughly a year later before being officially consecrated on June 7, 1826.
For many years, it was known as the parish chapel of Hollymount and was originally dedicated to St Michael the Archangel before being rededicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in 1962 following major renovations.
Witness to History
Over two centuries, the church has stood at the centre of parish life, serving not only as a place of worship but also as a venue for education and political gatherings.
The parish endured enormous suffering during the Great Famine, when the population exceeded 7,400 and local clergy struggled to cope with more than 30 funerals a week, with some priests reportedly succumbing to illness after caring for the sick and starving.
The church underwent substantial renovations over the decades, including repairs and extensions in 1886 after concerns emerged about structural safety. Around its centenary in 1926, further expansion works took place and a new bell was installed.
Major changes followed in the 1960s, including the transition to English-language Masses and the introduction of modern elements such as microphones and revised liturgies.
Among the church’s most treasured features is a seven-light stained glass window depicting the Ascension of Jesus, created by renowned Irish artist Harry Clarke and regarded as one of the finest examples of his craftsmanship.
Parish organisers said celebrations marking the bicentenary will continue throughout 2026, honouring the enduring role the church has played at the heart of the Roundfort community for generations.
Following Mass on June 7, refreshments will be served at Roundfort National School, with an open invitation extended to parishioners, former residents and anyone with a connection to the area.