Abbey Passion play celebrates message of Pope Francis

Abbey Passion play celebrates message of Pope Francis


Áine Ryan
aineryan@mayonews.ie

THE CENTRALITY of Pope Francis’s message about the poor and marginalised is this week being played out in the atmospheric grounds of Ballintubber Abbey, transformed into the road to Calvary for the annual Passion Play.
Now in its 25th year, the play, entitled ‘The Triumph of Easter’, is presented by 70 members of the local community, many of whom have been involved since the outset. Directed by longtime abbey priest, Father Frank Fahey, it attracts people from all over the west of Ireland.    
In one dramatic sequence a group of players says: “We are the poor, the hungry, the starving, the marginalised, the displaced and homeless.” They ask God why he has forsaken them.
“Pope Francis has put a renewed emphasis on the God of Calvary and his compassion for the weakest in our society. His message focuses on both living with and identifying with the poor,” Father Fahey said.
He said that the Passion play challenges our recent abandonment of Christ through values espoused during the Celtic Tiger. He welcomed the fact that volunteerism and communal generosity are the hallmark of this poignant drama whose ‘natural setting, proximity of the players to the people and the raw weather conditions make it a very authentic portrayal of the greatest love story ever told’.
Founded by King Cathal Crovdearg O’Conor, Ballintubber Abbey is known as “the abbey that refused to die” because of the continuous celebration of Mass within its walls since 1216. It has survived the regal edicts of Henry V11, Cromwellian destruction and the Penal Laws. St Patrick reputedly stopped at the abbey on his walk along the ancient chariot route, known as the Tóchar PhΡdraig to holy mountain, Croagh Patrick. He fasted on the holy mountain for 40 days and 40 nights. 

MORE The Ballintubber Abbey Passion play will be held at 9pm tonight, Tuesday, March 26 and tomorrow, Wednesday, March 27. Admission is free but donations are gratefully accepted. Warm clothes are advisable.

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