In possibly one of his last tasks as bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois, Bishop Colm O'Reilly has officially re-opened the Holy Family Church in Gowna, Co. Cavan, after extensive refurbishment. The bishop said the 95-year old church was one everyone could be proud of as it has been restored to a very high standard and would be a tremendous setting for special occasions like Holy Communion, weddings, confirmation and christenings.
But also, he told the congregation, “however you feel when you get up on Sunday morning, this will be a place that will answer your needs.”
“It is a place where you can find consolation and hope in your lives and it will be a good experience,” he said.
Parish priest Fr P.J. Fitzpatrick said the refurbishment job had been very extensive and includes a complete new floor, new seats made from Irish ash, a new heating system, lighting, a new altar, ambo, chair, baptismal font and tabernacle.
The church had also been repainted and the Stations of the Cross revamped, while eight new stained glass windows were also fitted.
Fr. Fitzpatrick said the bill for the project, which was the first major repairs carried out on the church since it was built, is running close to €300,000. He said he was most impressed with the great response from parishioners in these recessionary times.
The initial estimate was €200,000 but a problem with the floor emerged, necessitating its replacement and this added to the overall cost, he said.
The renovation work began almost twelve months ago and while the church was closed, Mass has been held in the village hall.
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