Mayo church opens doors to neighbours in need

Westport’s Saint Mary’s Church made history when they opened their doors to the local Church of Ireland community after their church was forced to close.

Holy Trinity Church, like many others, fell foul of Storm Éowyn over a week ago and were forced to close for the safety of their congregation.

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However, Father John Kenny and those in Saint Mary’s Church extended a helping hand to their neighbours across the Carrowbeg River, allowing them to celebrate their Church of Ireland Services in their church while their home is repaired.

For Father Kenny and the Westport Parish, this is a matter of returning the favour from twenty years ago, when Saint Mary’s was undergoing renovation of its floor and other structures.

In a unique and novel gesture, Holy Trinity allowed the congregation from Saint Mary’s to gather and celebrate Mass in their church on the Newport Road.

Now, with Reverend Suzanne Collins asking for help in their time of need, Fr Kenny was there to answer and opened his doors to allow Reverend Collins a safe place for her and worshippers to celebrate the Feast of St Brigid.

“Back when we were using their church, Holy Trinity were very good in opening their doors for our midweek Masses,” Fr Kenny stated in conversation with the Mayo News.  “On the weekends we went to the gymnasium in Rice College for our bigger crowds.

“Finally, so long on, its time for us to return the complement when they need somewhere to go.”

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A reopening date for Holy Trinity’s church has yet to be confirmed. A number of premises in the Westport area are still without power since the aftermath of Storm Éowyn.

However, for the moment, midweek services of Holy Communion will be held in St Mary’s at 10.30 am every Wednesday morning.

The journey to opening the doors of the Church could be a long one, according to Fr Kenny.

“There’s a meeting of experts and engineers in the church this week to survey the work that needs done,” he said.  “As the building is listed it’s not quite straightforward, so it’ll probably take a while.

“We’re on hand to assist them while they need us.”