Passion Play re-enacted in historic abbey’s grounds

Passion Play re-enacted in historic abbey’s grounds


Áine Ryan

AS the grounds of Ballintubber Abbey tonight (Tuesday) transform into the road to Calvary for the annual Passion Play, its longtime priest told The Mayo News about its relevance to the ongoing clerical abuse scandals.
“The scandal of the cross is that God identified himself with the worst of sinners. God is not shocked by sinners, but rather he is shocked by those who state they are  not sinners,” Fr  Fahey observed.
For 22 years now, people from all over the west have gathered in the grounds of the historic abbey, for the Passion play, presented by over 70 members of the local community. 
“Times have changed so quickly and the drama provides a unique way for people to reflect on the symbolism and significance of Holy Week and Easter. I remember years ago, when teaching in Dublin, nobody worked on Good Friday and between 12 midday and three o’clock, no matter what they were doing, they would remain silent,” Fr  Fahey said.
He also told The Mayo News that he recalls, as a young child, his grandmother letting down her long hair – which was always pinned-up in a bun – on Good Friday, in sympathy with the women at the bottom of the cross.
“Traditionally keening women at funerals let down their hair as a symbol of ‘the weeping women’,” he explained.
He said the Passion play challenges our ‘recent abandonment of Christ and the cry of the poor’.
“As we have grown richer and more preoccupied by materialism, we have also grown more selfish,” he said.
In the drama, there is a poignant and moving sequence, when the crucified Christ, played by Mr Con Lydon, asks: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Then a chorus of the poor replies: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken us?” This is repeated several times, culminating in Christ asking: “My people, my people, why have you forsaken me?”
However, on the other hand, the ongoing interest of the youth around Ballintubber in partaking in the unique drama is a beacon of hope, according to Frank Fahey.
The Ballintubber Abbey Passion Play will be held tonight Tuesday, March 30, and tomorrow night, Wednesday, March 31, at 9pm. While seating is available in a sheltered stand, attendees are advised to wear suitable and warm clothing.
A lakeside Mass will also take place on the shores of Lough Carra on Easter Sunday morning at Castleburke at 8am.