After 800 years of a presence in Athlone town, the Franciscan order is to leave the town at the start of next year.
The shock announcement was made at mass in the town this morning.
The community, which was first established in the town on 1241, claims that an ageing membership of priests is a key reason for their departure. A statement was read at mass this morning from Fr Aidan McGrath, Minister Provincial, The Irish Franciscans said it was a very sad and difficult announcement. Staff and the friars were 6told yesterday and mass-goers heard the news earlier this morning. The community is to leave Athlone on January 6 next and no final decision on the future of the Athlone friary and church has been made as of yet.
A special thanksgiving mass will take place in the Friary Church on January 8th next.
The full statement is available here:
