Catholic Underground comes to Co Clare

300 YOUTH & ARTISTS JOIN MOYROSS MONKS TO EVANGELISE IRISH CULTURE

When: January 2nd, 2009.
Where: Ennistymon Church and Scoil Mhuire secondary school, Ennistymon, Co Clare!

Catholic Underground, an initiative inspired by Pope John Paul’s Letter to Artist (1999), began six year’s ago in New York—and more recently here in Ireland—by the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in an effort to reclaim culture for Christ. 300 young people gathered from all around Ireland at Scoil Mhuire in Ennistymon with an eclectic team of Irish, Catholic artists on Jan 2nd to celebrate Catholic faith and culture in Ireland. Catholic Underground Ireland (www.catholicundergroundireland.com) is gaining momentum and has scheduled similar events in Dublin and Galway to evangelise Irish culture.

Catholic Underground Quilty Jan 2nd

Following the format of Catholic Underground, the evening was divided into two parts separated by a time of fellowship and refreshments. Beginning in the Ennistymon Church, Fr. Sylvester Mary Mann, CFR led a Eucharistic Holy Hour that included Vespers (Evening Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours), a time of song and praise, and Solemn Benediction. The beauty of the darkened Church illuminated by candles invites the youth to enter the mystery of our Lord’s presence in the Eucharist and provides a window for each person to personally encounter Jesus Christ.

Youth 2000 singers

Having met Jesus in the Church, the youth were now ready to meet Him just across the car park in Scoil Mhuire where the youth exhibition of music and art kicked off! This part of Catholic Underground Ireland showcases highly talented Catholic artists as agents of the “new evangelization.” Some of these included Ritus Teresko, a Lithuanian Artist who has been in Ireland for the past year and is now working in the Cork area; Sarah Roche, from Glanmire in Cork, who was commissioned to create bronze panels for ‘Home of the Mother’; songwriter Paul O’Shea who is now living in Co. Kerry sang two of his original songs, one entitled ‘Footprints’ and another called ‘The Mustard Seed.’ Our second songwriter for the evening was Joyce Higgins who sang ‘Rescued.’ Singer Noel O’Sullivan who is living in Co. Kerry sang masterfully ‘Joseph’s Lullaby’. Sacred poems were also beautifully read, and several musicians from Youth 2000’s music ministry also shared their gifts. There was certainly no shortage of beautiful music throughout the night, which concluded with the simple and beautiful Compline (Night Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours).

Sarah Roche playing flute

Eamon Roche, director of Youth 2000’s Munster region who co-sponsored the January 2nd event, had this to say: “Catholic Underground is a celebration of the work of those people who work behind the scenes in their own workshops; drawing inspiration in their solitude and silent quarters: songwriters, playwrights, poets, those in the visual arts, musicians, sculptors, architects. Those who work behind the scenes, in quietness and diligence, but whose fruits are shared with all of us, and whose hard work and labour is given for the greater glory of God.”

It really was a great opportunity for my Parish to see that young people ARE on fire for God!
One fellow student said, ”Maura it was soo class!! The Monks rock! I really got so much peace from tonight, and it taught me that Jesus really loves me and has a beautiful plan for my life!” Find out more about Catholic Underground Ireland at www.catholicundergroundireland.com or ring the Gray Friars on 061458071. The next event is on Saturday, March 28th at the Regina Coeli Hostel in Dublin City.

 

 

More Photos of the Night (taken by Br Martin CFR):

http://www.catholicundergroundireland.com..(click here)