'Love makes the world go around': St Patrick's Church, Murlog toasts Diamond jubilee

Love, faithfulness and the importance of lifelong, committed relationships – even in tough times - were among the messages delivered by Bishop Donal McKeown in Lifford on Sunday.

Bishop McKeown, the Bishop of Derry, celebrated a Mass of Jubilee at St Patrick's Church, the Clonleigh Parish Church at Murlog.

It is 60 years now since the redeveloped Church was consecrated and fifty since Clonleigh became a stand-alone parish

St Patrick's beamed under a splendid sun, the Papal colours adorning the perimeter as parishioners gathered for a landmark day in the border Church.

Bishop McKeown spoke under the shadow of the impressive, imposing five-metre cross, which stands as a sort-of-centrepiece in the building illuminated beneath the octagonal roof lantern. The cross was by Imogen Stuart, the noted German-Irish sculptor who died in March of this year.

“Down through the centuries, different shapes of buildings have reflected different ways of who we thought God was and who we were as His people,” Bishop McKeown said.

“Sometimes, magnificent buildings emphasise the majesty of God, others are very simple like the building that preceded this to emphasise God on the cross who was in solidarity with the little ones, the poor and the oppressed.

“Others, such as this reflect the Irish, teach pobail - the house of the people - where people gather in word and sacrament.

“This Parish isn't just a supplier of religious services, putting on Mass at a time that suits everybody. It is a community. Our shared life is reflected in how we live together . . . overcoming barriers, not just people who pay and pray and go home.”

The first Church on the site was opened in 1760 and a tower from the early construction still remains.

The Church was originally built without a spire – which were forbidden by Penal Laws for Catholic Churches – but in 1828, following Catholic Emancipation, a spire was added.

St Patrick's is one of seven Churches in Donegal designed by Liam McCormick and the largest of his collection in the county.

Sixty years ago, the new Church, on the same site, was consecrated by the then Bishop of Derry, Dr Neil Farren, after a project 30 years in the making and costing £80,000 was completed.

Sunday's congregation included 103-year-old Eileen McDevitt, the parish's oldest citizen. A native of Porthall, now of Curraghlane, she is due to celebrate her 104th birthday in July, a month before Eamon Martin, the Archbishop of Armagh, is scheduled to celebrate Mass in Lifford.

Sunday's Mass heard the message of 'love' from Bishop McKeown, drawing on the 'faithfulness' shown by Jesus; “even when he was misunderstood, even when he hung on the cross: 'Father, forgive them for they know not what they do'.”

Bishop McKeown said: “An understanding of love goers beyond being based on nice feelings. Adults and children benefit from knowing that they are loved - even when they mess things up.

"Maintaining relationships is difficult, but faithfulness to one another is possible.

“When many young people little contact with lifelong committed relationships, they risk growing up in world where they expect every little from their own future relationships.

“If all they experienced is smash-and-grab raids, they won't look forward to very much. It is love that makes the world go around.

“Love is not an unrealistic dream, but something that can bring out the best in all of us – especially when the going gets tough.”

The parish choir was supplemented by the children's choir from Murlog National School. Prayers of the faithful were read by pupils from Lifford National Shool and the gifts carried by Cloghfin National School.

At the close of Mass, the recessional hymn Hail Glorious St Patrick rang out in glorious St Patrick's.