Church celebrates 100 years

Star of the Sea Church in Quilty will this week celebrate its centenary with a series of events.
Just over 100 years ago it was decided to build a church in the village and money was donated by local people and their friends in other parts of Ireland, England and the United States of America.
In addition, the French government made a small donation available for those who engaged in the rescue of the French ship Leon XIII, which occurred in October 1907 when a raging storm hit the Clare coast, causing the ship to be swept on the reefs near Quilty. Using only their currachs, the fishermen of Quilty braved the terrible conditions and made several attempts to rescue the crew of the stricken ship and managed to bring ashore 13 of the 22 sailors.
By the following day, the wind had calmed slightly and a British steamer arrived on the scene, resulting in the rescue of the remaining crew and newspaper reports of the time lauded the locals’ bravery and a fund was established, partly for the needs of the fishermen but with the remainder to be used for the building of a church in Quilty. Richard Haren provided a site free of charge and the architect, a Mr Burke from Limerick, offered his services free of charge.
The sand and stones were provided at no cost and the necessary labour was provided by the people of Quilty.
The fund was used for the walls, floor and furnishings and the church was opened on October 9, 1911 and was named Stella Maris, Star of the Sea. The first mass was said by Canon Chair and the bell that was taken from the wreak of the Leon was presented to the church in 1949 and is on display in the sanctuary area.
The celebrations begin on Thursday at 7pm and the theme will be Baptism – the story of Belonging and Identity. Then on Friday at 7pm the title will be Change and Commitment in life – the gift of Marriage.
On Saturday 7pm a mass of anointing and healing in the spirit of God will take place while on Sunday at 3pm the mass of thanksgiving will have as the main celebrant Bishop Kieran O’Reilly.
The organisers extend a cead mile fáilte to everyone to come join with them over these few days as they celebrate the life story of Quilty church and its significance to the area.